China forces recall of nearly 4.3 million vehicles over hidden door handles, Tesla hit hardest

China has ordered its largest automotive recall on record, covering nearly 4.3 million vehicles from 11 automakers over concerns that hidden door handles could become difficult to operate or locate during emergencies, according to a Reuters report.

Tesla is affected most severely, with the recall covering close to 3 million of its imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles. The company says it will install warning labels free of charge to help identify the handles. Eight other manufacturers, including Xiaomi, are taking the same step. Several companies are also rolling out software updates that will automatically lower a car's windows after a collision, making it easier for occupants to escape and for rescuers to reach them.

Full ban coming in 2027

The recall is only one part of China's broader push against concealed door handles. The country plans to ban the design entirely starting in 2027. Hidden handles are used widely, not only by Tesla but by numerous domestic Chinese EV brands as well. New standards will require mechanical release mechanisms on both the interior and exterior of every door, operable without electrical power.

The underlying concern is that mechanical or electronic hidden handles can be hard to locate or operate if a vehicle's electrical system fails after a crash. Several recent incidents in China have illustrated this risk, including a fatal accident involving a Xiaomi sedan in which bystanders were unable to open the doors to free the trapped driver.

The issue has also drawn scrutiny in the United States, where the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into Tesla's electronic door handles over the same safety concern. Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen has indicated the company is open to redesigning the feature, saying it is exploring a system that would combine electronic and manual release into a single button.